Gilson man killed in random accident while still atop tractor

 Posted on September 24, 2013 in Farm Accidents

Farming and agricultural work is among the most dangerous professions in the U.S. Farm workers are often tasked with operating heavy machinery, dealing with large animals, and working in general conditions that can be conducive to accidents. Yet even with the extra emphasis being placed in recent years on farm safety protocols in Illinois, the potential for serious accidents with tragic outcomes remains high. Often it's due to these accidents occurring in rural areas where emergency responders are not able to arrive in sufficient time to administer care. Beyond that, farm accidents are often simply attributed to the unique nature of the work being done.

Such was the case in the recent death of a Gilson farmer from what authorities can only describe as a horrible accident. The man, who was the owner of a popular Christmas tree farm in the local area, was attempting to clear a tree on his mother's property when a falling portion of the tree pinned him against the steering wheel of the tractor he was operating. Police and emergency personnel arrived at the scene to find him dead. While he'd been unable to move from his spot atop the tractor, injuries to his head made investigators believe that he was probably killed instantly from a blow to the head as the portion of the tree feel onto him.

As farm accidents can be as debilitating as they are random, victims will often be left with substantial medical costs, as well as potentially facing the loss of someone on whom they relied for emotional and financial support. If negligence is proven to be the cause behind the accident, victims may be entitled to compensation. Anyone dealing with such losses may wish to work with a personal injury lawyer to seek such compensation. 

Source: Peoria Journal Star "Freak accident claims Gilson tree farm owner" Nick Ostdick, Sep. 10 2013